Graduate Student Kasha Lashley

Name: Kasha Lashley Hometown: Maloney Gardens, D'abadie in Trinidad Program: Industrial/Organizational Psychology Family: Parents Lennox and Elitha, older brother Kester, and younger brother Kezra. Fun Facts: Loves chocolate and traveling. Favorites: Music: All types Movie: Bourne Identity, Bourne Supremacy, and Bourne Ultimatum Food: Pizza, chili, and french fries

Kasha Lashley was born in the capital city of Trinidad, Port-of-Spain, but later moved with her family to Maloney Gardens, D'abadie, Trinidad where her parents and two brothers reside today. Before coming to UNI, Kasha received her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of the West Indies (U.W.I) St. Augustine in Trinidad. Prior to attending U.W.I, she studied for the Advanced Level examination given by Cambridge University in England at St. Augustine Senior Secondary Comprehensive School.

Although Kasha enjoyed the friendliness, hospitality, and diversity of the people in her home country, she chose to pursue advanced education away from home in Industrial Organizational Psychology. During Kasha's search for colleges offering this degree she discovered the excellent opportunities at UNI with the I/O program and the small ratio of students to professors. Kasha was also drawn to UNI because, "the courses offered in the program match my interests and I feel like it is a very safe campus and very open to international students."

Since her arrival in Cedar Falls, Kasha has had the opportunity to enjoy several performances at the Gallagher Bluedorn Performing Arts Center and Strayer-Wood Theatre including Annie, A Midsummer Nights Dream while planning to see Death of a Salesman this semester. Kasha also enjoys traveling, going to the beach, playing volleyball, trying different types of foods, learning about different cultures, and watching her favorite soccer players Ronaldinho from Brazil and Thierry Henry from France.

Kasha, a full time student in the Industrial/Organizational Psychology program, is also a Graduate Assistant in the Psychology Department, has served as the Psychology Study Participants Management (PSPM) site coordinator, and is involved with the UNI Society of Human Resource Management and Campus Crusade for Christ. Currently, Kasha is working on her thesis in which she will look at gender differences in responding to workplace exclusion.

Although Kasha is undecided as to whether or not she will pursue her doctorate degree, she would eventually like to start her own consulting firm in Trinidad after receiving her master's. Kasha's words of wisdom to new and current graduate students are "Remember that one of the keys to being successful in Graduate School is based on how well you manage your time." Great advice from an experienced graduate student.